John

Since graduating with a PGCE from The Institute of Education, where my dissertation was on Literacy and English Skills for students with learning differences, I have worked for many years as an Intervention Teacher, responsible to the borough Head of SEN, and also as a one to one tutor working with young adults with additional needs, specialising in those with dyslexia and autism (including high-functioning autism/ Asperger's Syndrome) who would benefit from a focus on language, literacy and English.

I have a wide experience of engaging students  at all points in their learner's journey, from foundation level  to GCSE and above.

As an English specialist, I enjoy developing work which reflects the young persons interests, which embeds the specific English skills they need and which offers pathways into wider, broader curricula.

I try to identify and work with socially related targets and skills, including modelling social interaction, and teaching empathy, reciprocity and turn taking, understanding, and managing emotions.

As a one to one teacher, my focus is to provide a positive learning experience by developing a programme of study which engages the student at a personal level, which provides the requisite underpinning skills, knowledge and understanding to help the learner become more confident and more astute as a learner, and  more well-rounded as an individual.

As well as developing English and language skills, I aim to improve verbal memory, processing speed, organisational skills and working memory skills. Critical thinking skills development underpin all work.

Each student receives a genuinely bespoke, realistic, yet challenging programme of study, using explicit teaching and continuous assessment to equip the student with the skills and confidence to move to the next level.

My approach builds on multi-sensory learning, and I build on student's visual and creative skills. Recognising that different students have preferred learning styles, I work to equip students with a broad range of learning strategies, working with weaknesses as well as strengths and developing task specific strategies.

I am particularly interested in developing confidence, a positive mindset and resilience.

I consider myself to be empathetic, flexible and focused.  I work hard to ensure that the student experience is personal, effective, rewarding and fun.

• Institute of Education, University of London, PGCE (English specialist);
• University of London B.A. (Hons.) Anthropology and Sociology (First Class)

I regularly attend relevant training, including training on ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia and Learning, Learning Styles, Autism Awareness, Mindset, Target Setting, Behaviour Management, Evidence Based Teaching and GCSE English enhancement programmes.